PORT MANSFIELD - Jack Edwin Carpenter, 78, died Sunday, November 16, 2008 at his home in Port Mansfield after his fight against cancer. He was born April 8, 1930.

He was the son of H.C. (Jack) and Mabel Carpenter of Rio Hondo. He grew up in Rio Hondo, served in the U.S. Army, and returned to Rio Hondo. He was recruited by the Texas Department of Public Safety for training in the Highway Patrol. He later became one of the first undercover agents for the newly created narcotics division. He retired to Port Mansfield in 1977 where he served as deputy sheriff as well as ranch foreman for Tom East Cattle Company.

He is survived by his wife, Lydia Carpenter of Port Mansfield; three daughters, Jennifer Hachke of Port O'Conner, TX, Lee Ann Bowen of Victoria, TX and Anita Gross of New Braunfels, TX; one son, Russell Carpenter of Austin; one sister, Peggie C. Terry of Harlingen. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, H.C. and Mabel (Cornell) Carpenter; two sons, Clayton and Jack Edwin, Jr.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, November 22, 2 p.m. at Port Mansfield.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Duddlesten Funeral Home.

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